Mr. Semere Amlesom, Head of the Eritrea’s delegation to the Sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP-16) of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), being held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 2-13 December 2024, presented a national statement at the Meeting of Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC). Mr. Semere Amlesom, after commending the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting such an important global event, and congratulating its election to the presidency of the COP, presented Eritrea’s efforts and commitment towards fighting the devastating effects of desertification, land degradation and drought ever since the country’s independence.
Mr. Semere, in his statement, outlined the country’s important strategies and actions, among others, like; Developing drought mitigation plan; Expanding water conservation, and groundwater management; Enhancing soil and water conservation and afforestation programs and adopting Climate-smart agricultural practices; Setting up a modern national meteorological services; Reinforcing capacity development programs as well as engaging all relevant development partners and the community in the fight against drought and interrelated challenges.
Furthermore, Mr. Semere outlined the need for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation projects across the Six Agro ecological Zones of Eritrea. He also affirmed that the country has aligned its voluntarily set Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) to meet the global SDG target 15.3. Finally, Mr. Semere explained Eritrea’s short and long term plans and current initiatives towards the containment of sand and dust storms through date palm plantations, mainly across the coastal and its adjacent areas.
It is to be noted that the UNCCD, COP-16, having special focus on mitigating drought effects, will continue until December 13, 2024; and the Eritrea’s delegation is participating in a number of plenary and technical sessions; including regular meetings of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), Science and Technology Committee (STC); Sand and dust storm; Drought consultation meetings, as well as relevant side events.
Public Relations Division
December 6, 2024
Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
